January Guide: Events and Activities in Greater Victoria

Here is a guide to all the fun things to do in Greater Victoria this January with kids!

Now that the holidays are coming to an end, many of us are wondering what fun things we can do with our families. Here are some options for activities and events happening in Victoria during the month of January.

From January 2 to 9 you can visit the museum and pay only what you can (by donation)! There is so much to do at the Royal BC Museum, from visiting the iconic woolly mammoth to checking out the IMAX, to exploring Christmas in Old Town, there is something to entertain everyone.

With five home games to choose from this January, take the kids to watch our major junior ice hockey team and route for the local Victoria Royals! With pure entertainment from start to finish, you won't be disappointed with this night out.

This aquarium features over 20 live underwater exhibits and a touch pool area where you can tickle urchin and shake hands with sea stars! Their facility houses hundreds of marine creatures in a variety sizes, from micro plankton to a Giant Pacific Octopus. They engage visitors of all ages in an unparalleled 'hands on, hands wet' experience.

Where: 9811 Seaport Place, SidneyWhen: Open daily from 10am-4:30pm (Note: The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is closed January 6 to 10, 2020, for annual maintenance) Cost: $8-$17.50

Another thing to visit in Sidney. The creative force has arrived at the Sidney Museum with their newest presentation of the ever-popular Lego Exhibition celebrating over 60 years of Lego imagination. Dozens of Star Wars themed Lego models provide a special focus for this exciting exhibit, rounded out by hundreds of other Lego models including Hogwarts Castle and Lego model of the Bugatti Chiron automobile.

Guests will learn about the history of the many Lego models on display, a special opportunity to guess how many bricks comprise the giant Lego Pyramid as well as the opportunity to enjoy the special presentation film on the origin and development of the Lego building system.

PlayZone at City Centre Park has so many fun activities for kids! Their gold-mine-themed structure is always a hit! Let them run, crawl, and slide all day while you sit back in the parents section and enjoy a cup of fresh coffee. Do you have a child under age three? Bring them to PlayZone's toddler zone. The toddler zone is a safe place for younger kids to play. They also have mini-golf year round!

Try taking your family out one night to a new restaurant who is participating in Dine Around, the most anticipated foodie event of the year. Over 50 restaurants have put together a 3-course menu showcasing their finest food and are either set at $20, $30, $40, or $50. You can browse their website to see menu's at each price point.

Where: Various restaurants around Greater VictoriaWhen: January 17 to February 2Cost: $20 to $50More Information

Victoria's newest addition of kid-friendly fun is an all ages arcade in historic Trounce Alley! It's a token-based system, and tokens are fifty cents a piece (most machines cost one token to play with a few exceptions). Try vintage pinball games and a large array of other arcade games.

Where: Trounce Alley, 1215 Government StWhen: Open dailyCost: Varies on Play

Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to experience the beauty and curiosity of a tropical jungle up close. It's also a nice break from the cold weather! With surprises at every turn, you’ll encounter poison dart frogs, tortoises, large iguanas, flamingos, tropical ducks, free flying tropical birds, and more. Thousands of tropical butterflies (up to 70 species) fly through the large facilities, the size of almost three basketball courts. Your jungle adventure awaits.

Feast your eyes and nose on creative inspirations constructed from gingerbread. More than just houses, they are detailed sculptures and unique works of art created by professional and amateur chefs. A spirit rousing experience, the gingerbread houses will leave your mouth watering, and your eyes wanting more.

Where: The Parkside Hotel and SpaWhen: Now until January 5Cost: By donation

Colourful lights, carollers, ice skating and festive fare—Christmas is a cheerful time of year at The Gardens. Experience the Magic of Christmas. Bundle up and stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas display, sing along to the sounds of the season with Traditional Carollers or listen to the Festive Brass, then warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire.

The 27th Annual Festival of Trees is proudly hosted by the Bay Centre. Visit them, and see the Bay Centre transformed into a lush forest of hand-decorated trees. Share in the spirit by voting for your favourite, with all proceeds supporting the most urgent health care needs of kids in BC.

Where: The Bay CentreWhen: Now until January 6Cost: Free (by donation)

Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas long ago. Visit the wood-cobbled streets lined with festive garlands and see the shops decked in seasonal finery. This is a Christmas favourite! A great place to visit and get into the real holiday spirit! The price is included in your general admission.

Where: Royal BC MuseumWhen: Now until January 9Cost: $11 to $18, free for children ages 3 to 5

We hope you find some fun family activities to experience with your loved ones here in Victoria during the month of January. For more events and activities please visit our complete list of events, and check out what's happening on any day coming up!